Bangalore:
Based on information from a source, the Deputy Conservator of Forest (DCF) was nabbed on the outskirts of the city, while carrying a bribe amount of Rs 8 lakh on Sunday.
ADG of police, R K Dutta, who is supervising investigations, said that a team of Lokayukta sleuths intercepted DCF Narayana Swamy between Kollegala and Bangalore, and seized Rs 8 lakh, which was in his possession.
While Swamy claimed that the cash was legal and belonged to him, Lokayukta sleuth suspects that the amount was part of bribe, which he allegedly received from the timber mafia.
Dutta added that although a number of Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers were trapped by Lokayukta sleuths, this was the very first time anyone had been arrested with incriminating evidence.
"We were informed about the illegal money transaction, which happened the day before yesterday, and we expected Swamy to travel yesterday. Investigations are going on to check as to where he had procured the amount," Dutta said.
Officials are still checking records to ascertain Swamy's claim that the money is his and he is not involved with the timber mafia.
Meanwhile, Swamy has been booked under Prevention of Corruption Act. He was produced before the magistrate and was remanded to judicial custody.